Prologue. Last week our Exploring Christianity post dealt with the story of the Good Samaritan and its meaning for our lives today. The point of the post was to highlight the hypocrisy rampant in the religious practices and attitudes of Jesus’ day, where supposedly “religious” people could ignore the plight of those truly in need … Continue reading “For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11 / Need
Category: Theology
Exploration of thoughts and ideas that either have or are influincing Christian theology.
“Truly I tell you, today, you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 / Redemption
Prologue. One of my friends recently engaged me in a discussion about Redemption. Specifically, they wanted to discuss “death bed conversions.” Their question was, “Can someone who’s not been a Christian suddenly ‘convert’ as they are dying? And, can that person then go to Heaven?” Their observation was that such a conversion seemed somehow to … Continue reading “Truly I tell you, today, you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 / Redemption
“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” Psalm 98:4 / Singing as Worship
Singing As Worship. This week we resume our series on Worship by focusing on Singing as a form of Worship. For me, the music portions of church services have always been very important. I recognize that some denominations allow singing, but without musical accompaniment. There are others which eschew singing and music altogether in an … Continue reading “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” Psalm 98:4 / Singing as Worship
“…for the LORD has comforted His people…” Isaiah 49:13 / Turning to God for Comfort, Part 1
The Scriptures are full of verses encouraging us to turn to God for comfort. Psalm 23:4 says, “…I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me….” Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” … Continue reading “…for the LORD has comforted His people…” Isaiah 49:13 / Turning to God for Comfort, Part 1
“Test me in this says the Lord Almighty…” Malachi 3:10 / Turning to God for Comfort, Part II
Last week, we began our series on Turning to God for Comfort by defining “need,” “distress,” and “comfort.” We also considered the question, “Why are we so distressed?” This week we’ll address the second question raised in last week’s post, “Why is it so difficult for us to accept and recognize His “comfort?” A True … Continue reading “Test me in this says the Lord Almighty…” Malachi 3:10 / Turning to God for Comfort, Part II
“Your word is a light unto my feet, and a lamp for my path.” Psalm 119:105 / Study as Worship
Worship. This post continues our series on Worship. Previously we considered Individual and Corporate Worship (Post 48, 05/10/2019), Prayer as Worship (Post 49, 05/17/2019), and Singing as Worship (Post 54, 06/22/2019). This week we will look at Study and how it also is a form of Worship. The Bible is filled with scriptures advising us … Continue reading “Your word is a light unto my feet, and a lamp for my path.” Psalm 119:105 / Study as Worship
“So…whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 / Worship at all Times
Recap. In some of our more recent posts, we have focused on different ways in which we can express our worship of God. While there are several definitions of worship, for this series, we defined it (Post 48, May 10, 2019), as “…spending time with God. Or…to be in intentional communion with Him.” Using this … Continue reading “So…whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 / Worship at all Times
“However, they did not all heed the good news…” Romans 10:16 / Confronting an Unbeliever
The Problem of Atheism. Atheism has been on my mind recently. Any Christian is bound to encounter people who do not share their faith. Christianity is the most widely-observed religion in the world, but the majority of the population either is not Christian or expresses disbelief in religion altogether. Atheism is a topic that offers … Continue reading “However, they did not all heed the good news…” Romans 10:16 / Confronting an Unbeliever
“…without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 / Sanctification
Sanctification. Sanctification is one of the most frequently used words in the Christian lexicon. It is often used interchangeably with other words that are incorrectly thought to have similar meanings (i.e., Salvation). But Sanctification has importance and meaning that is unique, and an understanding of this word is necessary for a Christian’s knowledge of their … Continue reading “…without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 / Sanctification
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” Revelation 3:20 //Salvation
Salvation. Salvation may be the most important word used in Christian Theology. Humanity’s salvation is the reason Christ came. And, salvation is the reason for the existence of His church in the world today. So, this week, we’re beginning an exploration into this most consequential aspect of Jesus’s and the church’s mission and ministry. Definition. … Continue reading “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” Revelation 3:20 //Salvation
